Within a ethylic alcohol (fermentation) production unit, lightning struck onto a 1,000-m³ alcohol storage tank that was nearly empty; the tank was ripped apart and ignited. Fire-fighters and unit personnel were able to contain the outbreak. The alcohol and extinction foam were confined to the retention basin. A surveillance operation remained in effect in order to avoid any repeat ignition of the alcohol. Once the surveillance had been completed, the emergency response centre retracted the Prevention Plan (PPI).